Legislative Updates

There have been many changes in the massage therapy and cosmetology industries and communities in response the COVID-19 (coronavirus). From executive orders affecting businesses, to emergency rulemaking altering renewal timelines, to distance learning modifying the student experience. ABMP, ASCP, and AHP have summarized below how COVID-19 has impacted the licensing regulations and laws in the state of Texas and encourage you to pay special attention to the CARES Act outlined at the bottom of this email, which addresses financial aid and unemployment benefits.
 

As you are aware, the California Massage Therapy Act is up for sunset review this legislative session. However, ABMP just received confirmation that the California Legislature is adjourned until April 13, 2020. As such, the March 24, 2020, committee hearing is canceled. This is in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the legislature engaging in social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. At this time, we do not know when a hearing will be rescheduled.

ABMP offers members a free, one-hour sexual harassment prevention training CE to meet new Illinois continuing education requirement for massage therapists.

As per the new rule developed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), massage therapists must complete a one-hour course in sexual harassment prevention training. ABMP has confirmed with IDFPR that we are an approved provider for this CE requirement.

New Mexico massage therapy establishment licensing did not make it through the legislative process before 2020 legislative session ended.